August 26, 2009 (Washington, DC) – Today, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)—the oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—urged Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to condemn a new rule authorizing Michigan judges to force witnesses to remove religious headcoverings in court. Click here to read SALDEF’s Letter to Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm Noting that the Michigan Supreme Court recently approved a rule of evidence that gives courtroom judges broad authority to regulate witness attire, including religious headcoverings, SALDEF expressed concern that observant Sikhs would be forced to remove their religiously-mandated dastaars (turbans) in Michigan courtrooms. According to Rajdeep Singh Jolly, SALDEF’s Director of Law and Policy: “We acknowledge the need for witnesses to be seen when they provide testimony, but there is no compelling justification for any judge to force an observant Sikh to remove a dastaar in a courtroom. Indeed, dastaarsare worn daily as a matter of religious obligation and do not cover or conceal the face.” Background: – Muslim Woman to File Suit Over Judge’s Hijab Ban (YouTube) – Dallas County Settles Lawsuit Filed by Sikh American Denied Entry into Courtroom – Georgia Policy Change to Allow Religious Headcoverings in Court; DOJ Closes Inquiry – Georgia Court Apologizes to Sikh American Denied Entry into Court House
